Salajko, 41, was a 10th round pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 1993 draft and spent time. He would never see NHL time, instead spending time in the AHL, IHL and ECHL, with 10 different teams in those three pro leagues alone.

Salajko has been the Grand Rapids Griffins goaltenders coach since 2013-14. Last year he saw both of his goaltenders (Tom McCollum and Jared Coreau) place in the top 10 in goals against average and the top five in save percentage in the AHL.

He also spent three years (2008-09 to 2010-11) as an assistant coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the old CCHA.

Salajko replaces Jim Bedard who was let go after an 18 year tenure as the Red Wings goaltender coach. His hiring is the latest move in what is sure to be a revamped coaching staff for Detroit in 2016-17.